Newport, Rhode Island, transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. This coastal city, known for its Gilded Age mansions and stunning ocean views, embraces the Christmas spirit with a unique blend of historic charm and seaside magic.
From twinkling lights to festive events, Newport offers countless ways to celebrate the most beautiful time of the year. Here are 20 festive activities to make your Newport Christmas unforgettable.
Tour the Newport Mansions Decked in Holiday Splendor
Step back in time as you explore Newport’s famous Gilded Age mansions adorned in holiday finery. The Breakers, The Elms, and Marble House open their doors for special Christmas tours. Marvel at the elaborately decorated rooms, towering Christmas trees, and exquisite floral arrangements. Each mansion showcases a different theme, bringing the luxury of the past to life with a festive twist.
Attend the Bowen’s Wharf Tree Lighting
Kick off the holiday season at the annual Bowen’s Wharf Tree Lighting. This beloved event features carolers, a visit from Santa, and the illumination of a 30-foot Norwegian spruce. The twinkling lights reflect off the harbor waters, creating a magical atmosphere that captures the spirit of a coastal Christmas.
Stroll Down Festive Thames Street
Take a leisurely walk down Thames Street, Newport’s main shopping thoroughfare. Local businesses deck their storefronts with holiday decorations, creating a charming winter scene. Pop into quaint shops for unique gifts, warm up with hot cocoa, or enjoy the festive ambiance.
Ice Skate at Newport Harbor Island Resort
Glide across the ice with stunning views of Newport Harbor at the Newport Harbor Island Resort’s seasonal rink. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a wobbly beginner, this picturesque outdoor rink offers fun for all ages. After your skate, warm up with hot chocolate and enjoy the twinkling lights around the harbor.
Enjoy the Christmas in Newport Festival
Immerse yourself in the month-long Christmas in Newport festival. This city-wide celebration features over 150 events, including concerts, craft fairs, and candlelight house tours. Many events benefit local charities, embodying the true spirit of the season.
Take a Holiday Lantern Tour
Join the Newport Historical Society for a festive Holiday Lantern Tour. Costumed guides lead you through Newport’s historic streets by candlelight, sharing tales of colonial Christmases past. It’s a unique way to experience the city’s rich history while enjoying the holiday atmosphere.
Attend a Christmas Concert at the Newport Mansions
Experience the magic of holiday music in the grand settings of Newport’s mansions. The Newport Mansions host a series of Christmas concerts featuring local choirs and musicians. The acoustics of these historic spaces create an unforgettable auditory experience.
Visit the Newport Vineyards for Holiday Wine Tasting
Savor the flavors of the season at Newport Vineyards. This local winery offers special holiday wine tastings featuring festive cranberry wine and other seasonal favorites. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere and pick up a bottle or two for holiday entertaining.
Participate in the Polar Bear Plunge
Brave the chilly Atlantic waters in the annual Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day. This invigorating tradition occurs at Easton’s Beach, with hundreds of participants taking a quick dip to start the year fresh. It’s a memorable way to cap off your Newport holiday experience.
Admire the Illuminated Boat Parade
Watch as Newport Harbor lights up during the annual Illuminated Boat Parade. Local boaters decorate their vessels with dazzling light displays and cruise around the harbor. Find a spot along the waterfront to enjoy this unique nautical take on holiday lights.
Shop at the Newport Holiday Stroll
Discover unique gifts at the Newport Holiday Stroll. This weekend, downtown Newport will be transformed into a festive shopping village. Local artisans and crafters will set up stalls offering handmade goods, while carolers and street performers will add to the merry atmosphere.
Enjoy a Holiday Tea at Blithewold Mansion
Indulge in a traditional holiday tea at Blithewold Mansion. Set in the mansion’s beautifully decorated dining room, this elegant affair features fine teas, delicate sandwiches, and seasonal treats. It’s a perfect way to relax and soak in the refined holiday atmosphere.
Take a Christmas Scenic Train Ride
Hop aboard the Newport Dinner Train for a festive journey. During the holiday season, the train offers unique Christmas-themed rides complete with onboard entertainment, seasonal treats, and beautiful views of the Rhode Island coastline.
Visit the Newport Art Museum’s Holiday Exhibit
Explore the Newport Art Museum’s special holiday exhibit. Each year, the museum curates a collection of winter-themed artworks and hosts festive events. It’s a great way to appreciate local art while getting into the holiday spirit.
Attend Sparkling Lights at The Breakers
Experience The Breakers mansion in a new light at the Sparkling Lights event. The grounds of this iconic Newport mansion are transformed into a dazzling holiday light display. Stroll through illuminated paths, enjoy music and refreshments, and marvel at the mansion’s exterior adorned with thousands of lights.
Join a Holiday Cookie Tour
Satisfy your sweet tooth on a Holiday Cookie Tour. This delicious event takes you to several inns and bed & breakfasts throughout Newport, each offering a different homemade holiday cookie. Exploring Newport’s charming accommodations while indulging in festive treats is fun.
Participate in the Newport Harbor Illuminated Parade
Join locals and visitors alike for the Newport Harbor Illuminated Parade. This festive procession features illuminated floats, marching bands, and community groups parading through downtown Newport. The parade culminates with Santa Claus’s arrival, officially kicking off the holiday season.
Enjoy a Christmas Feast at a Historic Restaurant
Savor a holiday meal at one of Newport’s historic restaurants. Many local eateries offer special Christmas menus featuring traditional favorites and seasonal specialties. Dine in centuries-old taverns or elegant waterfront establishments for a memorable Christmas dinner.
Attend Christmas Eve Services at Trinity Church
Experience a traditional Christmas Eve service at Trinity Church, a historic Episcopal church dating back to 1726. The beautiful candlelit service features carols and readings, offering peace and reflection amid the holiday bustle.
Ring in the New Year at Newport’s First Night Celebration
Cap off your Newport Christmas experience with the city’s First Night celebration on New Year’s Eve. This alcohol-free, family-friendly event features live performances, food vendors, and activities throughout downtown Newport. Watch fireworks light up Newport Harbor as the clock strikes midnight, welcoming the new year in spectacular style.
Newport’s Christmas celebrations perfectly blend history, coastal charm, and holiday magic. The city provides a festive backdrop for creating lasting holiday memories, with grand mansions, cozy inns, bustling shopping streets, and serene harbors.
Whether you’re ice skating by the harbor, touring beautifully decorated mansions, or simply strolling down twinkling Thames Street, Newport’s Christmas spirit will surely warm your heart.
Remember to check event dates and ticket availability in advance, as many popular activities sell out quickly. Some outdoor events may be weather-dependent, so it’s wise to have indoor alternatives planned.
Most importantly, take time to soak in the unique atmosphere of a Newport Christmas – the salty sea air mingling with the scent of evergreens, carols echoing off historic buildings, and the warmth of holiday cheer permeating this charming coastal city.
Whether you’re a longtime Newport resident or a first-time visitor, these 20 festive activities offer something for everyone. From thrilling polar plunges to elegant mansion tours, from bustling holiday markets to peaceful church services, Newport’s Christmas celebrations capture the magic of the season in a way that’s uniquely Rhode Island. So bundle up, embrace the coastal winter chill, and dive into the holiday spirit in this enchanting seaside city.